Sydney Harbour Bridge was a sea of bright colours on Sunday as the city’s icon shut down for the World Pride March.
The event marked the conclusion of 17 days of celebrations, with about 50,000 walking across the bridge, onto the Cahill Expressway and towards the domain, where tens of thousands will gather tonight for a concert.
It was also the first time since 2000 that the bridge was closed for a march, with the last event bringing 250,000 across the bridge for reconciliation with Australia’s first nations people.
Photographs from the Bridge on Sunday show groups dressed in distinctive outfits, many carrying flags or signs, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and actor Sam Neill among some of the more well known in attendance.
In the midst of the chaos though, was a tender moment.
Couple Hannah and Gretel paused their march for a milestone moment, becoming engaged in front of thousands of people, and at least one TV camera.
The proposal and ensuing excitement was caught by the ABC, showing the pair embracing and kissing before the ring was flashed to the camera.
Journalist Alex Lewis told hosts on ABC Breakfast the happy couple were one of “a number” of proposals on the bridge on Sunday.
“I don’t think anyone will forget this moment ... it is a special way to start their engagement,” he said.
“Could not think of a better place to do it.”
Entry to the Sunday’s march was by ballot only, with a long waiting list, and attendees were seen dressed to the nines for the occasion, with bright colours and sparkles popular themes.
Some held rainbow flags, others messages of support, and a large snake puppet, believed to be a rainbow serpent, was held up towards the front of the crowd.
The Pride March is the first to be held in the southern hemisphere, and marks the end of the 17-day celebration.
Things kicked off just after 7am with a group of 45 “rainbow champions”, influential members of the Australian LGBTQI+ community, leading the way.
Thousands marched behind them, with the last stepping off the bridge just before 11am, followed by police officers on bicycles making sure the coast was clear before the bridge was reopened.
Mr Albanese said the use of the bridge was symbolic, and was equally a celebration of Sydney’s diverse population.
“A bridge symbolises bringing people together. And this is about bringing together the Australian community, celebrating diversity,” he said.
“Also acknowledging that around the world, at WorldPride, that many people still suffer because of who they are, because of their sexuality.
“This is a great global city. And we benefit from the diversity that’s here in this great city. And we’re celebrating that today.”
Actor Sam Neill also took part in the march.
“I’m marching with my friends in solidarity and it’s a great day out,” he told Weekend Today.
“I’m marching against homophobia. There’s still too much of that around.”
Sunday morning’s event will be followed by a street party on Oxford Street and a closing ceremony on Sunday afternoon for 20,000 people in the Domain.
The chaos wraps up a huge weekend for Sydney, as Pride events coincided with performances from Harry Styles and the Backstreet Boys.
Sunday’s march brings with it major road closures and disruptions to public transport.
The bridge and the Cahill Expressway over Circular Quay will be closed to motorists until about 11.30am.
Drivers who need to cross the bridge can use the Harbour Tunnel instead, Victoria Road or the Anzac Bridge as an alternative, but are warned to leave plenty of extra time with traffic expected to be heavy.
Other major roads in the Sydney CBD, including Macquarie Street and College Street will be closed until 12pm, with parking restrictions also in place and vehicles in breach of special event clearways being towed.
Oxford Street between Flinders Street and Liverpool Street in Darlinghurst will remain closed until 4.30am Monday to leave space for the World Pride street party.
All northbound lanes of Flinders Street between Moore Park Road and Oxford Street will also be shut down.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area or be prepared for delays on detour routes through Kings Cross and Surry Hills including William Street and Cleveland Street.
Anyone hoping to get around the city is advised to use public transport, though bus routes that usually travel over the Harbour Bridge are starting and ending their trips at North Sydney or in the city while the bridge remains closed.
Passengers needing to cross the bridge are asked to catch a train instead.
Buses will also divert around the road closures in Darlinghurst until 4.30am Monday.
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